A life without limits: Lessons Learned!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Lessons Learned!

8-29-2001
Avri is doing so much better today. She has been going above and beyond what physical therapy has asked her to do. She has eaten real food today and held it down. Things are finally looking up. We are hoping to go home tomorrow.

Here is one thing I learned while I was up here or reminded of anyways. If you pray for patience you will be put in a situation that will require you to be patient. If you pray for courage you will be put in a situation that causes you to be courageous. If you pray for your family to be closer you will not be overcome with warm fuzz’s for each other but will be put in a situation that will bring you closer together. Pray for it all at once and you get…Well I have learned not to pray for it all at once!

2 comments:

GradyJanuary 16, 2012 at 9:57 AM
You are so inspiring Katie! I am honored to follow your blog!
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KatieJanuary 17, 2012 at 4:37 PM
Thank you! I read your blog after I saw this comment. It is more of an honor to have someone as strong as you say I could inspire you! Its comforting to know that us mothers who have been blessed with these special kids know we are not alone.
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What is Hydrocephalus?

The term hydrocephalus is derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "cephalus" meaning head. As the name implies, it is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Although hydrocephalus was once known as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of CSF results in an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles. This widening creates potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain.

The ventricular system is made up of four ventricles connected by narrow passages.. Normally, CSF flows through the ventricles, exits into cisterns (closed spaces that serve as reservoirs) at the base of the brain, bathes the surfaces of the brain and spinal cord, and then reabsorbs into the bloodstream.

CSF has three important life-sustaining functions: 1) to keep the brain tissue buoyant, acting as a cushion or "shock absorber"; 2) to act as the vehicle for delivering nutrients to the brain and removing waste; and 3) to flow between the cranium and spine and compensate for changes in intracranial blood volume (the amount of blood within the brain).

The balance between production and absorption of CSF is critically important. Because CSF is made continuously, medical conditions that block its normal flow or absorption will result in an over-accumulation of CSF. The resulting pressure of the fluid against brain tissue is what causes hydrocephalus